Bahabri nominates Donis to coach the Saudi national team and aims for the 2026 World Cup
In an exclusive statement to Okaz newspaper, international star Hattan Bahebri, captain of Al-Kholoud FC, expressed his technical vision for the future of the Saudi national team, asserting that Greek coach Giorgos Donis is the most suitable choice to lead the Green Falcons at this stage. Bahebri attributed this nomination to Donis's extensive experience with Saudi football and his precise knowledge of the capabilities of local players, which he gained during his previous coaching stints in the Saudi Professional League.
Donis has a rich coaching background in Saudi stadiums
Bahabri's opinion is based on Donis's impressive track record in the Kingdom, where he has previously coached major clubs such as Al-Hilal, achieving notable successes, in addition to his experiences with Al-Fateh and Al-Wehda. These diverse experiences have given him a deep understanding of the Saudi player's mentality and the specific tactical challenges of domestic competitions, making him, in Bahabri's view, capable of adapting quickly and achieving positive results with the national team. He wished him every success should he take on the role.
Personal ambition: World Cup 2026
On a personal level, Bahbri made no secret of his strong ambition to return to represent the Saudi national team at the biggest global event, the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He explained that he will do his utmost with his club, Al-Kholoud, during the remainder of the current season to deliver his best technical and physical performances, aiming to catch the eye of the national team's coaching staff and regain their trust. This ambition stems from his desire to repeat his World Cup experience, having been part of the Green Falcons' squad in the 2018 edition.
Confidence in Al-Akhdar's ability to bring honor to the nation
Bahabri affirmed that the Saudi national team possesses all the necessary elements to achieve a distinguished participation in the upcoming World Cup and surpass previous accomplishments. He pointed out that the unlimited support from the leadership and sports officials, in addition to the great passion of the Saudi fans, constitutes a strong motivation for the players to deliver an exceptional performance that raises the Kingdom's name high on the international stage, and to build upon the positive image the team presented in the 2022 World Cup, especially after the historic victory over Argentina.
Focus on the final of the most prestigious cup
Bahabri concluded his remarks by addressing his team Al-Kholoud's upcoming match against Al-Hilal in the King's Cup final, emphasizing that cup matches have their own unique character and are entirely different from league matches. He added, "The final will be completely different from our previous encounter in the Roshan League. Our goal is clear: to work as a united team to achieve victory and claim the most prestigious cup title, bringing joy to Al-Kholoud's loyal fans who deserve to celebrate this historic achievement.".
